The Journey Through Art's Impact on Society and Self

We were graced by the presence of Greg Spalenka, an artist whose work spans across various mediums and carries a deep connection to nature and human experience. This dialogue delved into the intrinsic link between creativity and the natural world, and how environments like Santa Fe can transform not only the art but the artist themselves.

Santa Fe's history is steeped in a mix of cultural influences and natural beauty, an artistic sanctuary that provides a backdrop for deep creative introspection. Greg Spalenka's move there signified a turning point in his career, where the tranquility of the area enabled him to tune in to his essential nature and foster his creative journey. This serves as a testament to the idea that our surroundings can deeply affect our artistic output, a concept that resonates with many creatives seeking authenticity in their work.

Moreover, the conversation shifted towards the concept of silence in our urban lives, how the constant noise and visual pollution of city living can numb our senses. Greg and the host reminisced about the stark contrast experienced during the '95 L.A. earthquake when the blackout allowed residents to see the Milky Way for the first time. It was a moment that emphasized our disconnection from the natural world, underscoring the importance of silence for inspiration and the personal preference for different climates, further illustrating how our environments shape us.

Earthing, the practice of connecting with the earth's energy, was also a topic of discussion. Both the host and Greg reflected on their childhood experiences of playing barefoot, highlighting how this simple act can lead to a wealth of health benefits and a stronger connection to the planet. The freedom of unstructured play and imagination was celebrated, noting its diminishing presence in today's society where children's activities are often overly structured and supervised.

Art's evolution was explored, from ancient cave paintings serving as both storytelling and symbolic expressions to modern abstract creations. This historical journey through art's conceptual and narrative realms brought up discussions on the impact of literacy and the shift from matriarchy to patriarchy. The symbolism inherent in language and its relationship to conceptual imagery tied back to the broader theme of how art has continually intertwined with human development throughout history.

The episode also delved into the tactile sensations of traditional art mediums, contrasting them with modern digital tools. It considered how the depth and personal touch in traditional art might be missing in digital and AI-generated pieces, emphasizing that great art, regardless of the medium, should encompass mind, body, and spirit, anchored by the artist's vision.

Lastly, the podcast addressed the role of personal biases in shaping our perceptions of reality, particularly in the context of political ideology. It touched on the need for seeking information directly from the source and the importance of addressing societal issues beyond immediate economic concerns.

In conclusion, the podcast episode not only provided an intimate look at Greg Spalenka's journey and the profound impact of nature on creativity but also offered a comprehensive exploration of art's evolution, the significance of maintaining artistic integrity, and the power of art in shaping societal perceptions. It served as a reminder of the importance of reconnecting with our natural roots to foster authenticity and depth in our creative endeavors.

Download the episode at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2267353/episodes/14930557

The Comeback of 2D Animation: Why We’re Craving Realness Again

There’s something happening in animation right now that’s worth paying attention to—not because it’s simply nostalgic, but because it’s deeply human. As someone who works in the mental health and creative storytelling space, I can’t help but see these conversations about art, AI, and hand-drawn storytelling as part of a bigger theme: our collective hunger for authenticity. We live in a time where AI-generated content is everywhere—convenient, efficient, and often soulless. It’s not surprising that artists and audiences alike are looking back toward something that feels more tactile, more imperfect, more human. That brings us to 2D animation, an art form that has shaped generations and now, it seems, might just be making a comeback. Here’s what Language of the Soul podcast host, Dominick Domingo, had to say on this trend: There’s been a lot of industry talk lately speculating about 2D/traditional ANIMATION making a comeback. Recent articles confirm that although Disney has not greenlit...

Interview Friday with multi-talented author, Cheryl Malandrinos

Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor from Western Massachusetts . A regular contributor to Writer2Writer, her articles focus on increasing productivity through time management and organization. A founding member of Musing Our Children , Ms. Malandrinos is also the Editor-in-Chief of the group's quarterly newsletter, Pages & Pens . Cheryl is a Tour Coordinator for Pump Up Your Book Promotion , a book reviewer, and blogger. Guardian Angel Publishing will release her first children’s book, The Little Shepherd Boy, in 2010. VS: Cheryl, I want to thank you for being my guest here on The Writing Mama today. I know being a parent and writer can be hard and I find myself asking if I am giving my three children enough attention throughout the day. I am sure you have been in my shoes from time to time. So to start here is the first question, how many children do you have and what are their ages? Cheryl: Thanks for having me at The Writing Mama, Virginia. I’m thril...

Five Tips for a More Marketable Children’s Picture Book Manuscript by Mayra Calvani

The world of children’s picture book publishing is extremely competitive. If you’re an aspiring children’s author, you need to make sure your manuscript is in excellent shape and has all the elements editors and agents look for before you begin the submission process. Here are five tips to make your picture book manuscript more marketable: Start right with the problem. Many times beginner writers begin a picture book with back-story. It’s okay to have this back-story in the first draft, but be sure to get rid of it when you edit. Back-story is unnecessary 90% of the time and it only serves to slow down the beginning of a story, making it weaker. You want to grab the reader right from the start. So don’t be afraid to begin your story at the heart of the problem. It’s okay to set the stage with a sentence or two—but no more! Have a protagonist readers can relate to. Generally, children like to listen to stories about other children or animals with children’s characteristics. ...

VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

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